New Rochelle landmarks board approves sunroom reconstruction and window replacements at 91 Cortland Avenue

The New Rochelle Historical Landmarks Review Board on Jan. 14 approved a certificate of appropriateness for reconstruction of an enclosed sunroom and replacement of windows at 91 Cortland Avenue, a Tudor‑revival single‑family home in the Rochelle Heights Historic District.

Fernando Chavez, the architect of record, told the board the work will replace about 20 windows and reconstruct an enclosed rear sunroom "to rebuild it in kind," using a conservative restoration approach to preserve historic materials where possible. Chavez said the project will restore three professionally‑restored leaded and stained‑glass windows, replace two entry doors, repair and patch stucco using a three‑coat system, and match exterior finishes to the existing palette (Benjamin Moore China White PM‑20 for stucco touchups and HC‑190 black for window/door frames).

In technical detail, Chavez said the replacement windows will be Marvin Ultimate casement models with extruded aluminum on the exterior (powder‑coated ebony, matte) and wood on the interior, noting the selection was driven by the product’s flexibility to match profile depth, muntin/mullion configuration and the appearance of historic frames. He described the sunroom as approximately 12 feet 11 inches by 18 feet 9 inches and 12 feet high and said the reconstructed sunroom will follow the previously existing footprint and visible design elements, including half‑timbering and stucco sills.

A board member asked whether the roof‑rail would be wrought iron or aluminum; Chavez responded that the railing will be a black, low‑profile wrought‑iron style typical of Tudor‑revival homes and confirmed the 42‑inch height noted on the plans. Chavez summarized the stucco approach: "we're trying to preserve as much of the existing historic stucco as possible," with patching and tooling to match the historic texture and color.

A neighbor, Margaret Chabag of 95 Hamilton, spoke in support during public comment, saying she was "thrilled" someone purchased and is restoring the house and thanking the applicant for respecting the building’s character.

A board member moved to approve the application for appropriateness and another seconded. After members voiced approval and one participant stated they must recuse themselves as a neighbor in the cul‑de‑sac, the chair confirmed the application was approved. The board then adjourned.

The approval permits reconstruction of the enclosed sunroom in kind and the specified window replacements and exterior restoration activity; the file for application HLRB12026 will reflect the board’s certificate of appropriateness. No additional formal conditions, permit deadlines, or appeals were recorded on the transcript.